Animal Rescue League of Boston - Cape Cod Branch
A Legacy of Kindness
The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL) is an unwavering champion for animals in need, dedicated to keeping pets safe and healthy in the communities where they belong. Since our founding in 1899 by Anna Harris Smith, we have believed that pets are family, a principle that guides every aspect of our work.
Our Mission
With over 125 years of history, we continue to evolve to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them. We believe that true impact comes from teaching thoughtful kindness and providing resources that help keep pets and families together, both in and out of the shelter.
Our Approach to Care
At our Brewster location and throughout our centers, we provide comprehensive, compassionate care that goes beyond basic sheltering. Every animal receives an immediate veterinary examination and participates in our unique Shelter Behavior and Enrichment program to support their emotional well-being and prepare them for a successful transition to their future home.
Finding Your Perfect Match
We are committed to helping you find the right companion through our conversation-based, application-free adoption process. By focusing on compatibility and the needs of both the animal and the adopter, we strive to create meaningful, lifelong bonds between pets and their new families. When you adopt from ARL, you are giving a homeless animal a safe, loving start while creating space to save another life in need.
Join Our Community
Ready to meet your new family member? We invite you to view our currently adoptable animals online or visit our Tom Kingman Memorial Campus on Route 6A to learn more. We are honored to be a part of your journey in bringing a new furry friend home.
- Compassionate and helpful staff
- Clean facility
- Confusion regarding donation usage and external food distribution
10/26 - 🐶Together with @arlboston, we're transforming Park Street station into "Bark Street." Bring your dog, learn about adoptable pets, interact with therapy dogs, and enjoy rider giveaways to celebrate Adopt a Shelter Dog month with us. 🗓️Thursday, October 29 ⏰4:00 - 6:00 PM 📍Outside of Park St station Comment "Bark Street" below and we'll send you a link to more details about our upcoming event. #MBTA #shelterdog #Boston #AnimalRescue
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10/22 - Kevin is ready to shake it in his new home! 🎉 Earlier this month we posted about Kevin, an energetic kitten with a moderate form of Cerebellar Hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination. After spending some time in foster, he is finally ready to find his new family. Special preparations will need to be done to Kevin’s future home to keep him safe and unharmed. And because Kevin was the only surviving kitten in his litter, we think he would benefit from having a playmate to help teach him some manners. But he is otherwise a happy, playful boy! Have questions about CH or what it takes to welcome a CH kitten into your home? Ask in the comments! Or come by our Dedham location (55 Anna’s Pl) to meet this little guy ❤️
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10/18 - They’re small. They’re sweet. They’ve been waiting for a new home for the last 2 months. Can we get this bonded pair a happy furever after? To adopt: @arlboston #adoptdontshop #rescue #yorkie #newengland
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10/18 - It’s National Pit Bull Awareness Month! Did you know it can take Pit Bull-type pups 3 times longer than other breeds to be adopted? For Manny, he has been waiting for the perfect place to call his own for over 275 days! Manny is an enthusiastic one-year-old who loves rolling in the grass, entertaining himself with squeaky toys, and going on car rides. He enjoys making new friends, both people and pups, and bonds hard with those he loves. Manny would benefit from an adopter who can keep up with his structured routine and provide him with the enrichment he needs. If Manny sounds like the perfect pittie for you, come meet him at our Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center (55 Anna’s Pl) 🐾
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10/17 - Before National Feral Cat Day comes to an end, we want to remind you of the challenges that community cats face every day. Feral cats are part of a larger population known as “community cats”, and can be found in almost every neighborhood across the country, with over 700,000 living in Massachusetts. These cats face risks of illness and injury, threats of harsh weather and predators, and lack of food and shelter. That’s why in 2017, ARL committed to focusing on these felines, becoming the only large animal welfare organization in MA with a dedicated Community Cat Field Agent. Through our Community Cat Program, we can assess cat colonies and rescue those in need. Cats are part of our community, and with your help we can continue to care for them like it ❤️🐾
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10/11 - Dog training classes that give back to shelter dogs? Sign me up! Cora and I had so much fun at @arlboston’s sports sampler class, and will definitely be adding this to our winter schedule!
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10/11 - It’s my birthday! 🎂 Another trip around the sun filled with belly rubs, treats, and lots of love from the guests at @fairmontcopley. Getting to celebrate with all of my favorite four and two legged friends was the icing on the cake.♥️ @arlboston @bigbiscuitbakery @souldogwines @onyvaclean
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10/9 - Kevin may have a little wobble in his walk, but with some support from you, he can continue to thrive! 🐱 As the only surviving kitten in his litter, Kevin has been through more than any little guy should. He was then diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia (CH), a neurological condition that affects balance and coordination. Despite all of this, it hasn’t slowed him down! Now thriving in foster care, Kevin is showing everyone that even with a wobble, you can go a long way when you have the support to keep you steady. This $5 Friday, can you spare $5 for Kevin and other animals who need a little extra TLC? Your donation helps provide the care, comfort, and second chances that make happy endings possible ❤️
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10/3 - There’s just something about when Gordy comes running to you 🥹🐷 778 days. That’s how long Gordy has been in our care. And while we love having this bristly boy with us, he truly deserves a home to call his own! Know someone who’s looking to add a handsome, slightly grumpy, sometimes too smart for his own good, pig to their lives? Tell them to come meet him at our Dedham Animal Care & Adoption Center (55 Anna’s St). #WorldFarmAnimalsDay
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